NHL Rumors: Teams calling on Claude Giroux, Preds not trading Filip Forsberg, and Marc-Andre Fleury staying in Chicago?
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors takes a look at the latest info regarding Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux and whether or not he’s moving on.
In addition, it looks like we can quell anymore speculation on what’s going to happen with Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg. And finally, it sounds like Marc-Andre Fleury may not want to waive his no-move clause after all.
NHL Rumors: Claude Giroux
Giroux, 34, is in no rush to leave the only city he’s ever played for, but if he wants to win a Stanley Cup soon, it isn’t happening with the Flyers. Reality is starting to settle in for Flyers captain and a trade for the pending UFA is growing increasingly likely.
“We’re less than three weeks out and what I can tell you is that Giroux still hasn’t gone to Philadelphia and said “OK, I’m ready. I’m ready to go,” Pierre LeBrun said on Insider Trading. “The Flyers have told some teams that have called… There’s a price attached to that… A first, a young player, and a prospect or certainly at least two assets with higher quality. It’s a high price to get in on Giroux.”
The most talked about landing spot for Giroux are the Colorado Avalanche but there appears to be two more teams to keep an eye out on in the St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers. However, LeBrun said the price is very high and along the lines of a “first, a young player, and a prospect.”
Someone of Giroux’s ability is going to be highly sought. There’s no doubt in my mind a contender will pay that price.
NHL Rumors: Filip Forsberg
Forsberg, 26, is in the final year of a six-year contract. Hs current deal was for $6M AAV against the cap and this one is expected to be $8 million or better.
This season, he’s scored 45 points through 40 games and there’s been reports that he was being “actively shopped.” Yesterday, GM David Poile put those rumors to bed…for now.
“No, I’m not trying to trade Filip Forsberg, I’m trying to sign Filip Forsberg,” Poile said in an interview with 102.5 The Game in Nashville. “It hasn’t been done. I don’t know when it’s going to get done. I don’t have the crystal ball to say it will get done. Both sides want it to happen, but it hasn’t happened now. As of today, I can tell you, clearly, we are trying to sign Filip Forsberg.”
NHL.com
Related: Is Forsberg really on the block?
NHL Rumors: Marc-Andre Fleury
Fleury, 37, will be a UFA this summer, and a valuable trade chip for Chicago to bring in younger assets for the future. This season he is 16-19-4 with a .911 SV% and a GAA of 2.83. Contenders are certainly monitoring his situation closely, but there’s some indication he may want to finish the year in Chicago.
“At this point in time, Fleury is leaning towards finishing out the season in Chicago,” Chris Johnston reported on TSN. “He’s on the final year of his contract and he has a 10-team no trade list, so technically the Blackhawks could still move him. But there seems to be an understanding when the Vegas Golden Knights traded him to Chicago last summer that they would do right by him.”
Ultimately, I believe Fleury is going too ok a trade and make a Cup run with a contender. Keep an eye on the Oilers and Capitals. That being said, don’t sleep on the Maple Leafs or Avalanche.
“I would love a chance to win,” Fleury said in February. “That’s what I play for and that’s what I love. But like I said, it’s still a big if at this point.”
